Living in a dorm help

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BLeGal2

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I am going to be living in a dorm this summer for only 8 weeks, but I have never done it before, so I have no idea what kinda stuff I will need. Any tips?
 
I loved the dorms in college. You'll want a pail or basket for bathroom items, and I always wore a pair of rubber beach shoes in the communal shower.

I always had a microwave or toaster oven, and if I didn't have easy access to free ice and a cooler, I had a micro fridge for leftovers and beverages.

If you plan on getting to know anybody else, you might want a dry erase board for the outside of your door to leave messages... but cell phones have probably replaced this antique method :)
 
iowaboy said:
I loved the dorms in college. You'll want a pail or basket for bathroom items, and I always wore a pair of rubber beach shoes in the communal shower.

I always had a microwave or toaster oven, and if I didn't have easy access to free ice and a cooler, I had a micro fridge for leftovers and beverages.

If you plan on getting to know anybody else, you might want a dry erase board for the outside of your door to leave messages... but cell phones have probably replaced this antique method :)
Click to expand...

WOW I hadn't thought of the shower stuff! Great idea so I don't have to lug all my shampoo and stuff in grocery bags. Oh yes rubber shoes sound amazing! lol

Thanks for the great advice! Oh I have seen the dry erase boards before on dorm doors-- I think it is fun! Thanks! I am adding it all to my list!
 
iowaboy said:
I loved the dorms in college. You'll want a pail or basket for bathroom items, and I always wore a pair of rubber beach shoes in the communal shower.

I always had a microwave or toaster oven, and if I didn't have easy access to free ice and a cooler, I had a micro fridge for leftovers and beverages.

If you plan on getting to know anybody else, you might want a dry erase board for the outside of your door to leave messages... but cell phones have probably replaced this antique method :)
Click to expand...

Dry-erase boards are still used heavily.
 
You may not think this, but you're the type that like to collect dishes and pintglasses (like I did in dorm)... a $200 portable dishwasher is a godsend.

Just don't get rid of your beer fridge or any other small appliances when you're moving around... It sucks when you have to buy them again a few years later.
 
BLeGal2 said:
I am going to be living in a dorm this summer for only 8 weeks, but I have never done it before, so I have no idea what kinda stuff I will need. Any tips?
Click to expand...

Bleach.

Seriously.

College students are so disgusting when living in dorms. I have visited a friend's dorm and found mushrooms and fungus growing in the kitchenette on the first floor. *shudders* And the bathrooms...:barf:
 
souggy said:
You may not think this, but you're the type that like to collect dishes and pintglasses (like I did in dorm)... a $200 portable dishwasher is a godsend.

Just don't get rid of your beer fridge or any other small appliances when you're moving around... It sucks when you have to buy them again a few years later.
Click to expand...

OMG a portable dishwasher! I never knew these existed! Currently I live in the tiniest studio apt I have ever seen, the counter space for the kitchen corner is so small, so after having friends over its impossible to even pile the dishes up, let alone place them up there to clean. I WANT ONE FOR MY HOME! wow! You are my new favorite person!
 
LuciaDisturbed said:
Bleach.

Seriously.

College students are so disgusting when living in dorms. I have visited a friend's dorm and found mushrooms and fungus growing in the kitchenette on the first floor. *shudders* And the bathrooms...:barf:
Click to expand...

EHH definitely added to the list! Thx
 
My nephew was constantly buying bleach wipes and Febreeze Fabric & Air Odor Eliminator since we know that groups of people can really create some massive body odor in times of stress while studying.
 
Mhhm.
General Stuff
-Enough clothing (duh)
-Quarters (dollar bills, change) for vending machine
-Books (if you like reading, your fav.)

Technology
-Whatever your particular hearing equipt. is (if applicable)
-extra batteries
-Ipod (again, if applicable)
-Cell phone " "
-All applicable chargers
-Laptop if you have one (if you're taking classes)/PRINTER

Cleaning Stuff
-Plastic shower bucket/basket
-Shampoo/soap
-BLEACH (good suggestion!!)
-Dish soap/Sponge
-Laundry detergent (unless this is provided free)
-Drying rack (for line drying instead of dryer)
-Towel/Sheet set

Appliances
-Microwave
-portable dish washer (!!)
-Mini-fridge

Ok. That's a crazy list. It just depends what your priorities are, what you really want.
 
You should check with the college about appliance rules. Some don't allow cooking equipment for fire safety rules, and some have limits on how many electrical appliances you can plug in at one time. You don't want to waste money on items that aren't allowed, or that you don't have space for.

If you're bringing valuables, like jewelry or electronics, make sure you have a way to lock them up when you're out of the room.
 
Reba said:
If you're bringing valuables, like jewelry or electronics, make sure you have a way to lock them up when you're out of the room.
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I agree! One of my old college friends had his laptop stolen from his dorm room while he was out...and he DID lock his door! He was so upset, as he didn't have much money.
 
A 'footlocker' that can be locked. It can be used as furniture (chair or coffee table) when not in use. I remember when a friend of mine went away for college. She brought her own sheet set, but it didn't fit. Some dorms have longer twin style beds. Ya have to make sure you have the right size or you will be wasting money.
 
If you need visual signallers etc - SonicAlert has a package that just plugs into the wall power outlets.

I have a:
Sonic Boom Alarmclock, Doorbell flasher, Phone flasher, etc - you can buy them one at a time, or as a package ... they last a LONG time (mine is 13years old and all work fine still!!)



***For food & appliances etc: LOTS of dorms don't allow you to have microwaves, "hotplates", mini-fridge, dishwasher or anything else like that in your dorm because of fire codes - so make sure that you know what the dorm rules are for what things you are allowed to have or not ...

Ask the School for an official list of items that:
"yes - you can have in your dorm room" &
"no - you can not have these things in your dorm room"
 
I know Glenn and KristinaB are kidding; guns aren't allowed in dorms. ;)
 
Reba said:
I know Glenn and KristinaB are kidding; guns aren't allowed in dorms. ;)
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I really am kidding - I promise. We don't even have the 357 anymore. After my father dies, we turned it into the police as mom and I didn't want it in the house and we live in an area where you don't want to just sell it.
 
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